The Professional Women’s Network of Scott County and Southern Indiana (PWNSCSI) held another successful event at the Mid-America Science Park last Tuesday, Feb. 24. Despite being delayed a week from its original date due to inclement weather, 220 women attended the luncheon themed “A Camp Fire Chat.”
Ginny Tackett, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist as well as Townsend Leadership Program Director, spoke to the group on the topic of “Balancing Life.” She stressed the importance of prioritizing responsibilities and not trying to fit in too much every day.
“We have to learn to say ‘no’ more often and delegate the things that drain our energy,” said Tackett.
According to Diana Hahn, PWNSCI Executive Director and Administrative Director at Greater Scott County Chamber of Commerce, Tackett’s topic couldn’t have been more fitting.
“I’ve spoken to so many top professional women in our community that say they feel like they are drowning,” said Hahn. “In trying to keep a business alive while also being a mother and running a household, it’s nearly impossible for these women to find any time to care for themselves. Ginny helped us all see areas where we can grow personally in order to find that time.”
(Back row, L to R) Anita Walker, Susanna Bard, Suzy Paul, Nancy Riley.
The luncheon also provided the women an opportunity to network and get to know one another, which is a main goal of the organization according to Hahn.
“Professional women need a group that will understand them,” said Hahn. “This organization is here to connect women with one another who face the same sort of issues.”
Hahn originally had the idea to begin a professional women’s group a couple of years ago, but it didn’t gain the momentum it needed. That has not been the case over the last few months, though, as women began seeking Hahn out to begin the organization and offering their help.
Members of the Advisory Board include the following:
- Nancy Riley, Scott County United Way
- Shelley Lakins, Scott County State Bank
- Lori Baxter, New Washington State Bank
- Jennifer Spicer, Bloomington Trail General Store
- Suzy Paul, Lincoln Hills Agency
- Susanna Bard, MultiColor
The group has also brought on Anita Walker, deputy director of the Scott County Economic Development Corporation, as a consultant.
PWNSCSI has adopted the tagline, “Taking the Journey Together” in hopes of providing professional women with a network of other professional women while also serving as an informational resource.
The group is currently striving to become a 501c6 by the end of the year and member driven by 2016.
“Eventually, we hope to be a collective voice in the community that can speak out on behalf of women,” said Hahn.
For more information on PWNSCSI, or to find out how to get involved, email PWNSCSI@gmail.com. Find them on Facebook here.
